The Life Portrait Of Coco Chanel

Life Portraits: Coco Chanel by Zena Alkayat and Nina Cosford is such a lovely, yet informative book. I read it in one sitting and absolutely fell in love with the drawings, the words and the simplicity of it. I don’t consider myself as someone who will go out of my way to buy luxury fashion unless it’s second hand! However, I’ve always had a curiosity and interest in the history and designer that created their own brand. It was interesting to know how Chanel started her incredible company as a couture designer. Her beginnings would be what lead her to be known as one of the most well-respected designers in the fashion industry.
The book is a wonderful coffee table book or collectors edition, that gives an insight into Chanel’s life. Growing up as an orphan in a French convent, she opens her own fashion house and sets off on several love affairs. As one of the twentieth century’s most exceptional couture designers, Chanel pioneered a modern way to dress that is practical as it is glamorous. She famously invented the little black dress. This beautifully illustrated biography follows Chanel’s fascinating life and work, traces her inspirations and experiences, and celebrates the legacy of this fashion icon. See a little snippet inside of the magical book of a fashion icon here. All images are from Nina Cosford.When I read stories like these, it’s a reminder that everyone goes through their own failures. It’s the persistence, passion, creativity, hard work, motivation and fire that keeps us going. It’s a message to not give up on what makes you happy and gives your life meaning. There are always going to be barriers or those who will try to bring you down, but at the end of the day, you are the one person who needs to believe in yourself the most, in order to achieve what you want. On a side note, the skirt suit above reminds me of Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine in the charming Chanel suit!